Help with DP for Full Timing
Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since Octobe...
Forum Discussion
1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.
All are good coaches
2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?
Both are in business
3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?
2 extra tires to buy but tag handles better on the road.
4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?
Not much
5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.
We drove the Alaska highway all the way to Fairbanks and down the West coast in a 40 DP ISC 360 Cummins. Handled it great.
6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?
Had a 34 gas now a 40 DP. In these rigs no comparison the DP is ton better handling.
6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?
IMHO only I have used both and would never use a tow dolly again. Had one at 60 mph start whipping back and forth jerking the vehicle around plus it took 3 times as long to hook up and unhook.
7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?
We tow a CRV an it is a great 4 down tow. Check out motorhome.com for a full list by year of 4 down towable.
8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.
Love our wash/dryer use it all the time.
9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?
http://www.rv-coach.com/rv/manufacturers/survey/rate_your_rv_results.html suppose to be user ratings.
10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?
I won't buy some brands but that's me and I don't want to start a war.
We own a 2008 Fleetwood Providence it's been a great coach.
One recommendation do not buy a coach with Power Gear electric jacks. These are the worst piece of junk on the market. unfortunately Fleetwood put these on for 2-3 years and ours is one of the years. Only real problem we have had on our coach.
Personal choice would be a 42 Tiffin Allegro Bus up to a 2009-2010 in you price range.
NADA has used RV pricing. Most price out around 1/2 way between high and low.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.
All are good coaches
2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?
Both are in business
3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?
2 extra tires to buy but tag handles better on the road.
4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?
Not much
5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.
We drove the Alaska highway all the way to Fairbanks and down the West coast in a 40 DP ISC 360 Cummins. Handled it great.
6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?
Had a 34 gas now a 40 DP. In these rigs no comparison the DP is ton better handling.
6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?
IMHO only I have used both and would never use a tow dolly again. Had one at 60 mph start whipping back and forth jerking the vehicle around plus it took 3 times as long to hook up and unhook.
7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?
We tow a CRV an it is a great 4 down tow. Check out motorhome.com for a full list by year of 4 down towable.
8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.
Love our wash/dryer use it all the time.
9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?
http://www.rv-coach.com/rv/manufacturers/survey/rate_your_rv_results.html suppose to be user ratings.
10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?
I won't buy some brands but that's me and I don't want to start a war.
We own a 2008 Fleetwood Providence it's been a great coach.
One recommendation do not buy a coach with Power Gear electric jacks. These are the worst piece of junk on the market. unfortunately Fleetwood put these on for 2-3 years and ours is one of the years. Only real problem we have had on our coach.
Personal choice would be a 42 Tiffin Allegro Bus up to a 2009-2010 in you price range.
NADA has used RV pricing. Most price out around 1/2 way between high and low.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.
